Many women choose to get breast implants to increase their breast size or restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss. Breast augmentation surgeries rose 44 per cent year over year from 2020 to 2021. However, there are various reasons why someone may eventually want their implants removed.
Interestingly, breast implant removals also increased by 47 per cent during the same period. Fortunately, advancements in plastic surgery now allow women to combine breast implant removal with a breast lift for optimal aesthetic results. The average cost of breast implant removal surgery is $3,437, according to the latest statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This average cost is only part of the total price – it does not include anaesthesia, operating room facilities, or other related expenses.
What is Breast Implant Removal With Lift?
A breast implant removal with lift procedure removes your existing breast implants while reshaping your breasts and nipples for a perkier, youthful appearance. It helps address issues such as:
- Breast ptosis (sagging) after implant removal
- Stretched areolas after pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Breast asymmetry
- Rippling or wrinkling of breast skin after implant removal
By combining the two procedures, your plastic surgeon can remove your implants while eliminating excess skin for firmer, more lifted breasts.
Book A Consultation With Dr Tarek Bayazid
Top-rated Plastic Surgeon For Breast Lift in Dubai
What Is The Procedure Of Breast Implant Removal With Lift
Breast implant removal with lift is a dual plastic surgery procedure to remove breast implants while reshaping the breasts for a perky, natural appearance. The process typically involves 5 key steps:
- Incisions: The surgeon makes incisions – either around the areola edge or under the breast crease to access the implants.
- Implant Removal: The surgeon opens the implant pocket and removes implants and any scar tissue or ruptured silicone. They rinse the pocket thoroughly.
- Reshaping Breast Tissue: Excess skin is trimmed away, and the remaining breast tissue is reshaped into a youthful contour.
- Nipple/Areola Repositioning: The nipple and areola are lifted into a more central position high on the breast dome for optimal aesthetic results.
- Closing Incisions: Finally, the incisions are meticulously closed for minimal scarring. Surgical tape and dressings are applied.
Reasons to Consider Breast Implant Removal
There are various reasons why someone may want their breast implants removed:
Health Complications
Sometimes, breast implants can cause long-term health issues:
- Capsular contracture – Scar tissue squeezes the implant, causing pain, misshapen breasts, and hardness
- Implant rupture and leakage – Silicone gel may leak into nearby breast tissue, causing pain and lumps
- Breast implant illness (BII) – A rare complication thought to be related to autoimmune issues
Dissatisfaction With Appearance
While initially pleased with their breast implants, over time, some women become unhappy with:
- Unnatural, “bolted-on” appearance
- Weight fluctuations causing size changes
- Ageing causes increased breast drooping
- Rippling, wrinkling, or visible implant edges
Desire to Remove Foreign Objects from the Body
Some women decide they no longer want a foreign silicone object implanted permanently in their bodies. New health concerns or life events can trigger this decision.
What To Expect During Breast Implant Removal Surgery
Breast implant removal takes place under general anaesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours. Your plastic surgeon will make an incision, either around the edge of the areola or under the breast crease, to access and carefully remove the implant capsule.
They will then remove any ruptured silicone and thoroughly rinse the breast pocket before removing the implants. If you opt for a breast lift at the same time, your surgeon will then reshape your breast tissue and reposition your nipples higher on the breast.
Breast Lift Techniques
There are a few surgical techniques your plastic surgeon may use to lift your breasts during implant removal:
Crescent Lift
- Minimal scarring around the top half of the areola
- Removes crescent of skin above nipple to lift breasts
- Best for mild sagging
Donut Lift
- Scar circles entirely around the areola
- Removes skin around the areola to reshape the breast
- Can moderately lift breasts
Anchor Lift
- The anchor-shaped scar around the areola + down the breast
- Removes excess skin for optimal lift
- Best for significant sagging
Your surgeon will recommend the most suitable type of lift based on factors like the degree of breast drooping, skin quality, and areola size.
Recovery After Surgery
You can expect:
- Mild to moderate pain and swelling for a few weeks
- Wearing a surgical bra for added support for 6 weeks
- Avoiding strenuous exercise and activity for at least 4-6 weeks
- Most patients return to work within 1-2 weeks
- Fading of scars over several months
Results You Can Expect
The results of breast implant removal with lift can restore self-confidence as you adjust to your new, natural breast appearance. You can expect:
| Timeline | Expected Results |
| 1 Week | – Swelling and bruising present – Low-grade pain controlled with medication – Wearing a surgical bra 24/7 for support |
| 2 Weeks | – Swelling and pain decreasing – Incision sites healing well – Gradually increase light activity |
| 6 Weeks | – Most swelling subsides – Much improved breast shape and position – OK to stop wearing bra 24/7 |
| 3 Months | – Continued settling of breast implants – Noticeably perkier and youthful breasts – Resume all regular activities |
| 1 Year | – Scars fading significantly – Breasts fully settled into lifted contour – Can undergo revision surgery if desired |
| Long-Term | – Lifelong lifted breast contour – High satisfaction with beautiful results – Pregnancy/ageing may eventually affect results |
Your plastic surgeon will guide you through your recovery and provide realistic expectations for your short and long-term results. Stay in close contact with their office during the initial healing process.
Conclusion
For women who have grown dissatisfied with the appearance or health effects of their breast implant, removal with a lift can restore confidence and satisfaction. This dual plastic surgery procedure lifts, firms, and contours the breasts for a perky, natural shape. With a board-certified plastic surgeon meticulously removing the old implants and reshaping the surrounding breast tissue, beautiful aesthetic results can be achieved. Scarring is minimal, recovery manageable, and the long-lasting outcomes are often life-changing. Both physically and emotionally, patients can breathe a sigh of relief knowing their breast implants have been removed and their breasts transformed with a skilful lifting procedure. Working with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr.Tarek Bayazid, the Best Plastic Surgeon in Dubai, you can achieve beautiful, long-lasting results from this transformative dual procedure.
Book a Consultation with Dr Tarek today to discuss your options for breast implant removal and lift surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about breast implant removal with a lift:
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